would reduce job growth by as much as 200,000, far less than the 700,000 cited by house speaker john boehner. more than seven hours 61,000 homes and businesses remained without power on the east coast thursday after a powerful nor'easter knocked out electricity for tens of thousands on top of those still left in the dark by superstorm sandy. the number includes more than 20,000 residents of public housing in new york city, who in some cases also lack heat and running water. three of new york city's hospitals remain closed after losing power during the storm, and there is no current timetable for their reopening. on thursday, new york governor andrew cuomo said economic damage from the storm could reach $50 billion. >> the first cost estimate that i have seen has suggested the storm will cost the region $50 billion in damage and economic loss. the state of new york, about $33 billion in damage and economic loss. that is a staggering number. >> in the face of an ongoing fuel shortage, new york city mayor michael bloomberg has unveiled a new rationing system for the purchase of gas. on thursday